Chapter 6: Connections

Since this gentleman is a lover of books, let us discuss this amicably. Please, both of you, come in; I will brew a pot of tea for you. Old Fan had a shrewd and smooth expression, while Chen Miao sensed that he was not someone to be trifled with. Old Fan appeared to be a cultured person, yet such cultured individuals can also be quite stubborn and difficult to converse with

I can tell you that I have already purchased this book. If you insist on taking it by force, I will call the police! Old Fan has known Chen Miao for many years, so how could he not understand that in public, they must pretend not to know each other in order to avoid revealing their identities

I will pay three times the price, how about that

Of course, Old Fan is also aware

The Military Intelligence Service in Shanghai has been continuously attacked by Japanese intelligence agencies and the 76th Bureau. The intelligence disparity between the two sides is significant. If the previous methods of struggle are continued, it is feared that they will be severely defeated in the upcoming conflicts. This is certainly not what the boss in Chongqing desires, so he will undoubtedly change his strategy. The simplest and most effective approach is to send undercover agents into the 76th Bureau. Chen Miao stated, "I know that the Military Intelligence Service has always had such plans."

In the morning, at the tea house, drinking tea and listening to books

Success depends on human effort said Chen Miao

Chen Miao pulled out several banknotes from his pocket and with a "slap" placed them on the counter, startling the bookstore owner, who thought that the two were about to come to blows due to a disagreement.

The superior believes that this approach is too dangerous. Since your military intelligence identity has already been exposed, it is advised that you evacuate Shanghai immediately, " Lao Fan said solemnly.

Not enough, sir, you must not be too greedy. This book is not worth such a high price if I weren't in urgent need of it. I believe other bookstores in Shanghai should still have stock.

You are playing with fire, Comrade Chen Miao, do not forget your identity

I bought two pieces of oil cakes and then sat down at the table set up next to the wonton stall: "Boss, one bowl of wontons, please."

Not long after leaving the Listening to Snow Tower, Chen Miao discovered that a small tail was following him from behind. He was uncertain about the origin of this follower and could only pretend not to see it

"How come the agents from 76 discovered you, yet they didn't take action to capture you?" Old Fan was very surprised

I knew your temperament; once you make a decision, not even nine oxen can pull you back. Lao Fan snorted and said, I must tell you, I just deceived you. The superiors have, in principle, agreed to your suggestion. However, you need to think of every detail you can imagine, and also be adaptable. If you discover any danger of exposure, withdraw immediately.

What are you laughing at? You are still laughing. Don't give me that silly grin...

Thank you, Comrade Lao Fan, but I know that you certainly did not inform your superiors that the idea of implementing this into No. 76 was proposed by me

Are you planning to use a strategy of self-harm, or will you directly submit a letter of allegiance?" Lao Fan's expression softened slightly, and his tone also changed.

Old Fan's face darkened, and he did not respond

This ... ...

Do you no longer want this book

"Gentlemen, please take your time to speak..."

What if Wan Yunnong does not choose you?" Lao Fan retorted

"You speak so lightly, how did the Military Intelligence Agency send you to infiltrate No. 76?" Old Fan scoffed and questioned, "Do you think the Military Intelligence Agency is your family business? Who is Dai Yunong to you?"

Please bring me today's newspaper

As he walked through the narrow alley and passed by a newsstand, Chen Miao paused for a moment, slightly turning his head back. He knew that the tail had been following him all along

At noon, dining at a restaurant, after a hearty meal and drinks, enjoying a bath at the Leisure Pool

On Embassy Road, Yimin Bookstore

Following the aroma, I ventured into an alley where a breakfast shop had set up a frying pan at the entrance, currently frying oil cakes. The fragrance of scallions attracted the nearby residents.

Chen Miao said: "I will find a way to have the Military Intelligence Bureau send me in as an undercover agent to No. 76, so that I can infiltrate No. 76 under the guise of the Military Intelligence Bureau. Wouldn't that solve the problem?"

Really, Old Fan, you are not deceiving me? Chen Miao was overjoyed

A bowl of steaming wontons entered my stomach, and the feeling of hunger quickly disappeared. I stood up contentedly and placed a dime under the bowl

I had to persuade my superior in various ways before they agreed to give you this opportunity; otherwise, you would have to evacuate immediately.

"Can you really offer three times the price?" Old Fan's eyes flickered with a hint of intrigue, as if contemplating whether this was a performance, but he hoped it wouldn't turn out to be genuine.

Comrade Chen Miao, have you considered what would happen if you were an undercover agent for No. 76? What would your relationship with the Military Commission be? Once the Military Commission discovers your betrayal, you are aware of their methods for eliminating traitors

Alright, sir, please wait a moment

After a thunderstorm, upon waking up in the morning, it feels less oppressive.

I am now actively surrendering, yet they do not believe me. I would like to wait until they capture me before I speak further said Chen Miao

Wandering aimlessly on the street

Since my superior has not assigned me any tasks, I will proceed according to my own plan. Chen Miao said with a chuckle

This is indeed the case. Chen Miao did not refute this point, stating, Next, I estimate that No. 76 will likely target my social connections, as Chen Mingchu has worked with me for two years and knows me very well.

Chen Miao felt a rumble in his stomach. Although he had eaten some food at Liang Xueqin's place last night, it had almost digested by now. If he did not offer some tribute to the temple of his five internal organs soon, it would surely rebel.

Five minutes later, Chen Miao still had not appeared. Lao Fan knew he could not wait any longer and had to leave immediately. After selecting his books, he walked to the counter, prepared to pay and leave.

Having found no abnormalities, Old Fan decided to take a risk and wait for five minutes

The newsstand owner casually pulled out a sheet from a pile of newspapers still exuding the fragrance of ink and handed it to Chen Miao. Chen Miao took it, tossed a copper coin to the owner, then tucked the newspaper under his arm and continued walking forward

Leisurely like a young master

The two individuals arrived at a secluded corner of the bookstore, sat down, and the owner even brought them a pot of tea.

Ah... Chen Miao fell silent; he could not answer this question, not because he did not know the answer, but because he was very clear about it

If I withdraw now, then all the efforts of these years will be in vain!" Chen Miao opposed without hesitation

three times

There is also a wonton stall nearby, where the cooked wontons are rolling in the soup pot. Once they are scooped up, a sprinkle of sesame and cilantro is added, followed by a drizzle of sesame oil, which is truly mouthwatering

Old Fan knows Chen Miao very well. On the surface, he appears to be carefree and unreliable, but deep down, he is very serious and is an extremely punctual person

"I am sorry, but I saw this book first." Lao Fan, still unaware of Chen Miao's tardiness, politely declined, put down the money, took the book, and pretended to walk out.

Chen Miao has arranged to meet Lao Fan here this afternoon

"Sir, could you possibly part with your copy of Mr. Liang Qichao's 'The Academic History of China in the Last Three Hundred Years' for me?" Just as Mr. Fan was taking the money out of his pocket, a familiar voice suddenly came from behind.

There was no way around it. When I stepped out this morning, a little tail had been following me for most of the day, and I finally managed to shake it off.

... ...

Did the superior assign me a specific task this time? Chen Miao retorted

Shall we continue to remain silent

It is not in vain; even if you change positions within the military intelligence, you can still serve the Party and make contributions. You are a veteran Party member; do you not understand this principle?

You can rest assured about this; I can still discern about seventy to eighty percent of his style and methods. Chen Miao said, "The situation of the Military Unification in Shanghai is so difficult, with internal troubles and external threats. He needs achievements to secure his position in front of the old man.

Silence, silence, what else can I do besides silence? Over the years, I have done nothing but wait. Comrade Lao Fan, I do not want to waste my time like this any longer. Now is an excellent opportunity. If we can successfully infiltrate No. 76, we will be able to monitor the movements of the Wang puppet regime at any time, which will be beneficial to the overall situation of the anti-Japanese struggle.

What newspaper do you want? the newsstand owner asked

You are late!" Old Fan said in a serious tone, lowering his voice.

Before long, a bowl of fragrant sesame oil wontons was served: "Sir, please enjoy your meal."

"Sir, I came here today specifically to buy the book you have in your possession. Would you be willing to part with it?" Chen Miao knew he was late and needed to find a reason to strike up a conversation with Old Fan.

Hoo Hoo ... ...

It is still unclear; perhaps they intend to play the long game to catch a big fish and have not taken action for the time being. Comrade Lao Fan, what did the higher-ups say about my suggestion?" Chen Miao shook his head

The appointed time was 4:00, but it was already past 4:00, and Lao Fan still had not seen Chen Miao appear. He was somewhat anxious; according to the discipline requirements of underground work, if a person does not show up after the agreed time for a meeting, one is required to leave immediately.

Comrade Lao Fan, do not be anxious, let us speak properly. We are like grasshoppers tied to the same rope. Moreover, do you not think this is a wonderful opportunity?" Chen Miao gently persuaded, "If we miss it, it will be difficult to find such an opportunity again in the future.

"Even if Dai Yunnong wants to send an undercover agent to infiltrate No. 76, would he definitely choose you?" Lao Fan retorted

Who do you think he is most likely to target?" Old Fan couldn't help but ask

"Are you crazy? Volunteering to be an undercover agent? Dai Yunnong is so suspicious and fickle; can he trust you?" Lao Fan expressed serious doubts. He was aware of Chen Miao's abilities, but the question was, could he catch Dai Yunnong's eye?

I will do everything in my power to ensure her safety. Chen Miao stood up, his eyes slightly reddened, and said, I must return now, as I have been soaking in the Xiyao Pool...

He may not necessarily choose me, but if I bring it up, if I take the initiative to propose doing this undercover work, he should consider it, Chen Miao analyzed

If I say what you suggested, do you think the superior will agree

"Boss, may I borrow a place to speak?" Chen Miao put away the cash and turned to Lao Fan, threateningly saying, "Are you selling the book or not? If not, I can just leave right now"

"Anything will do, as long as it is today's newspaper," Chen Miao said as he took out a cigarette and lit it

If he does not appear in a timely manner, he is likely to encounter trouble. Given his current situation, if he is targeted by the Military Police's Special High Command and the agents of Unit 76, it would be a very dangerous matter